Submission to the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee Inquiry into the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Streamlining Regulation) Bill 2015 and the Education Services for Overseas Students (Registration Charges) Amendment (Streamlining Regulation) Bill 2015.

We welcome the Review of Research Policy and Funding Arrangements for Higher Education and the opportunity to make a submission. The Review of Research Policy and Funding for Higher Education should take into account all opportunities for encouraging quality research and research training in the sector and not ignore capacity and opportunity in the private sector.

Points submitted in August via set template re:proposed Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Streamlining Regulation) Bill 2015 and Education Services for Overseas Students (Registration Charges) Amendment (Streamlining Regulation) Bill 2015.

The private sector in higher education is recognized for the quality of student outcomes from a diverse range of smaller institutions that focus on the quality of teaching. The diversity is also evident in the provision of international education. For COPHE, seeking policy that encourages all students to be global citizens is a priority.

COPHE Response to the Review of the Governance and Administration of the Tuition Protection Service (TPS). Given that the TPS has operated now for three years it is timely to consider what fine tuning and improvement can be made to the governance of something that works.

We welcome the publication of the draft National Strategy. While we are pleased the Government has accepted all the Chaney recommendations, it is imperative these are implemented immediately.

COPHE urges Senators to approve the legislation recognising the need for a sustainable system and one that addresses equity in the treatment of students. It will also improve choice and diversity within the higher education sector for all students.

COPHE appreciated the opportunity to provide evidence to the Senate Education and Employment Committee Inquiry. COPHE’s submission supported the original Bill in its entirety except for Schedule 3 relating to the interest rate on loans where we, along with everyone in the sector, proposed retention of the Consumer Price Index.